The social media platform Bluesky experienced a massive influx of almost 2 million new users within just four days after the Supreme Court of Brazil banned its larger competitor platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform, created by Jack Dorsey, one of the co-founders of X, subsequently rose to the top rankings of the most popular apps in the Brazilian Google and Apple stores.
The rapid development of Bluesky highlights the central role of social networks in Brazil. More than 144 million people there use at least one of these platforms, and the country consistently tops the list of nations that spend the most time online.
Sure, here's the translation of the given heading to English:
"The blocking of X could have significant consequences for the platform. Before the court order, X had an estimated 20 million active users in Brazil, making the country one of the six largest markets for the platform. This is particularly important with regard to advertising revenue.
The order to block X by Judge Alexandre de Moraes followed months of public dispute between the judge and Musk over accounts linked to far-right groups. Musk had repeatedly criticized the judge publicly for alleged censorship. Moraes, on the other hand, defended his decisions as measures to protect Brazilian democracy.
The platform was blocked after X missed a court deadline to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, a requirement under the Civil Code. Musk had previously closed X's office in Brazil in protest against Moraes.
The court's decision has led to divided opinions in Brazil. While right-wing circles condemn it as an attack on freedom of speech, left-wing politicians welcome it as an expression of national sovereignty. "The point is that Elon Musk must abide by the law. Just because he is a billionaire does not mean he is above the law," emphasized Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in an interview with local media.
Despite the general popularity of social media, X is used by only about 44 percent of online users in Brazil, compared to 91 percent for Instagram, 83 percent for Facebook, and 65 percent for TikTok. However, X is frequently used by politicians and has particularly resonated with right-wing groups since Musk's acquisition two years ago.
Bluesky, which now has a total of 8 million users, welcomed the influx of Brazilian users and stated that the platform "has reached new all-time highs in network activity." "We are now a Brazilian app," the company joked on its website.
Shortly thereafter, however, the Supreme Court ordered that Bluesky must suspend fake profiles impersonating the court.
